USM Signs MOU with Vanuatu Institute of Technology in Oceania
September 22, 2026
Students and faculty members of the Development Communication (DevCom) program of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) participated in the First Joint International Conference of the Federation of Development Communication in Indonesia (FORKAPI) and the Association of Development Communication Educators and Practitioners of the Philippines (ADCEP Philippines) on September 8–10, 2026, at the Institut Pertanian Bogor University and Pakuan University in Bogor, Indonesia.
FORKAPI and ADCEP Philippines, the development communication networks in Indonesia and the Philippines, respectively, jointly organized the conference to bring together educators, researchers, practitioners, students, and other members of the development communication community.
Prof. Jovelyn F. Gesulga, USM DevCom program chairperson, presented her paper, “Community Networking and Engagement Through Radio Broadcast,” a Component of the Extension Project CONNECT.
Prof. Sarrah Jane C. Guerrero also presented her paper, “Operationalizing Compassion: An Implementation Review and Feedback Evaluation of the USM Student Food Coupon Program.”
Meanwhile, DevCom students Zander E. Magsico, Shaine B. Dela Serna, Shabahiya D. Mamatus, and Angel Trisha Marie T. Puertollano presented their magazine, “Pambityala: Voices from Mindanao: A Student-Produced Development Journalism Magazine Documenting Community Narratives for Sustainable Development.”
In an interview, Prof. Gesulga said the experience provided them with opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives in Development Communication. She added that it also demonstrated how the University connects academic training with innovation and entrepreneurship through modern DevCom laboratories.
“I encourage our students to be confident in sharing their ideas, to keep learning beyond the classroom, and to recognize that as future Development Communication professionals, they can make a difference not only in their communities but also in the wider world,” Prof. Gesulga said when asked about her message to DevCom students.
Guided by the theme “Development Communication: Bridging Knowledge and Practice for Sustainable and Inclusive Well-Being in a Disruptive Era,” the conference featured keynote and plenary sessions, paper presentations, research networking, and academic and cultural exchanges with Indonesian partner institutions.
The conference brought together scholars, educators, researchers, development practitioners, students, and policymakers from Southeast Asia and other regions to share research, practices, and perspectives in development communication.
